Hoyer Announces $250,000 for Affordable Housing in Hyattsville

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-MD) announced that federal funds for affordable housing in the City of Hyattsville were included in the FY 2006 Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, District of Columbia Appropriations Conference Report, passed today by the House of Representatives. Rep. Hoyer, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, and the only member from Maryland, took a lead role in securing the funding for this important project during House consideration of the bill.

"The Renaissance Square project is helping to revitalize the Route 1 Corridor," Hoyer said. "Building affordable housing for the artistic community, coupled with the planned full-service YMCA on the site, will strengthen Hyattsville's economy and make Renaissance Square a focal point for activities of all kinds, including a gallery, entertainment, health and exercise, daycare, and urban living.

"We are extremely grateful for Rep. Hoyer's leadership in securing these funds and his commitment to our revitalization efforts," stated Bill Gardiner, Mayor of the City of Hyattsville. "Renaissance Square will create wonderful community amenities for our traditional town center, and facilitate additional private investment in the City."

Renaissance Square Artists' Housing, Hyattsville, Maryland, $250,000

In April of 2004, the City of Hyattsville selected Housing Initiative Partnership Inc. (HIP) to purchase and redevelop the City's property at 4307 Jefferson Street. The 1.7-acre site, one block west of Route 1, currently holds an abandoned 7-story office building. The community is eager to see the property redeveloped because the building has become a neighborhood eyesore. As part of effort to revive Rt. 1 corridor, these funds will go toward the construction of 44 units of affordable artists' housing in the City of Hyattsville. Renaissance Square will be the City's first major arts-related development and secure Hyattsville place in the State designated Gateway Arts and Entertainment District.

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